Sharjah 24: Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, described the Sharjah International Book Fair as a cornerstone of cultural and literary achievement, highlighting its role in shaping the future of Emirati publishing. "It’s not just a festival; it’s a platform for creativity, knowledge, and cultural exchange that connects voices shaping our national identity and propels them onto the global literary stage," he said.
Al Kous credited the fair’s transformative role in the UAE's publishing sector, noting that it was founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish a thriving platform for storytelling and cultural dialogue. He also emphasised the fair’s pivotal role in the growth of Emirati publishing, which has blossomed from a modest few dozen publishers in 2009 to hundreds of renowned figures in the regional industry today.
The fair, which has ranked as the top global event for the sale and purchase of publishing rights for three consecutive years, has been instrumental in offering Emirati publishers international exposure and market access. Al Kous praised the fair’s ability to elevate Emirati literature, allowing local works to reach global audiences while maintaining high standards of quality.
Furthermore, Al Kous highlighted the fair’s role in nurturing Emirati talent, particularly among women, who have found in the event a platform to showcase their creativity. From leading publishing houses to distinguished literary works, Emirati women are increasingly leaving their mark on the publishing industry.
"The fair also plays a key role in fostering a vibrant reading culture in the Emirates," Al Kous added. "It has created a dynamic environment that connects publishers, authors, and readers, making it a fertile ground for Emirati creativity to flourish."
Concluding his remarks, Al Kous stated, “As we look to the future of the UAE’s publishing industry, the legacy of the Sharjah International Book Fair will continue to serve as a window through which the world views Sharjah and the Emirates’ cultural and civilisational project."
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